Symptoms of ADHD in Adult Women
Women and girls can have ADHD. While men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD more often however, it is also feasible for women to be affected by the condition. But stereotypes, referral prejudice and internalized symptoms as well as other comorbidities can make it difficult to get them properly evaluated and treated.
Many women come up with strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms and meet societal expectations, but these strategies can be unsustainable and unhealthy. Here are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood.
1. Unfocused attention
Women with ADHD can be prone to feel overwhelmed by the daily tasks. They often struggle to keep track of multiple deadlines, emails, and meetings. They may also be more likely to forget important events or appointments. They might also have trouble concentrating in noisy or busy environments. This could cause them to miss opportunities and work that is less than satisfactory.
For many adults suffering from ADHD, these challenges can feel like an aspect of their personality or performance, which can lead to frustration. Many people who suffer from ADHD have low self-esteem and a negative view of their body. They may also have difficulty maintaining stable relationships and establishing effective coping mechanisms. In some cases they may turn to unhealthy coping methods, such as excessive alcohol or drug use. This can make it difficult for others to understand that they're struggling and delay a diagnosis.
Adults with ADHD are particularly sensitive to criticism and failure and can lead them to internalize their problems and have difficulty seeking help. This is why they may experience issues with relationships and may have a difficult time finding work that is meaningful. They can also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and mood swings. In some cases these signs can lead to the development of a mental health issue such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which could be manifested by burning, cutting, or scratching.
While it's more common for boys and men to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms can last into adulthood and can impact many aspects of life. It's crucial for women to be aware of the signs and seek a thorough assessment from a health care professional. A correct diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and a higher quality of life.
2. Disorganization
Women with ADHD report feeling overwhelmed and feel as if their lives are chaotic. They might miss deadlines or find it difficult to keep track of work or household tasks like paying bills and keeping the track of appointments. Their finances and home may be disorganized, and they may struggle to maintain healthy relationships and a steady job.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms can cause more frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, partners, and coworkers. These problems can lead to strained or even broken connections and feelings of isolation. The inability to remember, the difficulty in listening and the tendency to "zone out" or not pay attention, may cause misunderstandings with loved ones.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from symptoms of emotional instability, impulsivity, and mood swings. These can cause disruption in their professional and personal lives. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expectations of family, work, and society, and might be more sensitive to criticism or harsh judgement.
There are ways to manage these symptoms. For many adults, treatment options include lifestyle changes and the use of specific organizational tools, as well as prescription stimulant medication.
Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to hide their ADHD symptoms better than men which could lead to an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. They are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety, which can exacerbate the effects of untreated ADHD. Women may also have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and a steady job and are susceptible to low self-esteem and chronic stress. *Sex refers to the chromosomes and hormones; gender is the internal belief in oneself as a male woman, woman, nonbinary or another gender identity. Mental health problems are often diagnosed based on both.
3. Anxiety
Women with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from depression and anxiety. These moods can be made worse due to the inability of keeping the track of daily tasks and appointments and can result in health issues like missed check-ups, late payments and even debt. ADHD can lead to emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and forgetfulness which can lead to problems in relationships with family, friends and coworkers.
Many women develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. This could make it difficult for others to see that they have difficulty staying focused and organized. These coping strategies may be healthy, such as creating an annual schedule or setting phone reminders, or they may be unhealthy and rely on alcohol or other drugs to perform or manage their challenges. These strategies for coping can make women feel anxious and unsecure and make them doubt themselves and their abilities. This can trigger depression or anxiety.
Women with ADHD may also feel that they aren't accepted or aren't meeting social expectations. This can cause anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also experience issues at work, including difficulties with organizational abilities, adhering to corporate policies, or adhering to a routine of 9-5. They may be struggling to manage their finances due to disorganization or impulsive spending. Also, they might have trouble keeping up with work assignments or completing homework.
ADHD is a long-lasting condition that requires ongoing assistance, particularly when it affects girls and women. Despite its prevalence, the disorder is still poorly understood and not properly diagnosed. It is also not treated. Remaining stereotypes as well as referral biases internalized symptoms, comorbidities and hormonal fluctuations all contribute to the unique symptom presentation of ADHD in females.
4. Impulsivity
Women with ADHD are often unable to control their emotions and impulses. They might become easily frustrated or overly excited, lose track time or be late for events. They might also have difficulty understanding body speech or recognizing social cues. This can lead to problems at work or with relationships. For instance, they may have a tendency to get into fights easily, or they may spend too much time in pursuit of hobbies and interests that aren't important to them. They might also have trouble keeping relationships or forming connections because they are unable to keep their promises and commitments.
Women are more adept at developing ways to cope with their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder for them than men to get diagnosed. They could, for example, develop routines that help them stay organized or utilize apps to remind them of their schedules. They might alter their behavior in order to conform to societal expectations and norms. They might even hide their symptoms by using drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms, which could have serious health problems in the end.
signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults with ADHD are not able to overcome the symptoms. About 60 percent of women with ADHD during childhood continue to have the condition until they reach adulthood, compared to 30% of males.
Professional therapy can be beneficial for those who could not find relief from medication or lifestyle changes. There are a variety of options, including career coaching, counseling, and life coaching. There are also stimulants. Exercise can also be an excellent way to boost your mood and increase your energy levels. It releases neurotransmitters that boost motivation and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety and stress.
5. Reactivity to emotions
Women and girls with ADHD often have trouble with emotional reactivity. They may have difficulty to regulate their emotions and express them appropriately and this can lead to frustration with their own self and others. For instance, a woman with ADHD may become angry when her partner criticizes her, but she might not be able to control her anger and discuss the issue in a more sensible manner. She may also struggle to "pause" her reaction by identifying bodily cues that she's overwhelmed or overexcited like a flushed skin or a shortness of breath.
This difficulty in regulating emotions can result in confusion and anger and make people with ADHD susceptible to depression or anxiety. It can also cause difficulties in social interactions as it is difficult to read people's moods and social signals.
In certain instances, ADHD people may appear disconnected and uninterested in their friends or loved one even though they are concerned about them. In some instances they may avoid situations that trigger strong emotions in order to avoid feeling them.
The nature of women's symptoms can make it easier for doctors to overlook the effects of ADHD. Many of them camouflage their ADHD symptoms, and when they do appear in the future, they're more likely be seen as anxiety- or mood-related and thus misdiagnosed. It can be helpful to speak with an expert in mental health who has experience working with girls and women with ADHD if you are experiencing these symptoms. They can help validate your experiences, guide you how to use strategies like pacing and self-awareness, and provide family psychoeducation which can help you understand how to recognize and respond to your ADHD symptoms in the future.